In these anxious and chaotic times, my heart feels heavy with the bitter reality. However, we also need moments to take a break, even if just for a while. Now that we need healing and a dopamine boost, I have compiled a list of various genres of films, from romantic comedies to thrillers, that you can enjoy in your living room during the Christmas holidays.
Nothing beats the classics of Christmas. The “Home Alone” series and the “Harry Potter” series are films that remain entertaining no matter how many times you watch them, making them perennial favorites. As time passes, the thieves seem more pitiable, and while new aspects emerge, it feels incomplete not to see Kevin from “Home Alone.” What about Harry Potter, who captivated the world through books and movies? Currently, “Home Alone” is available on Disney+, and the “Harry Potter” series can be found on Tving. This winter, it might be nice to spend a healing moment with the Christmas greetings from Harry and Ron from “Harry Potter” and Kevin from “Home Alone.”
I recommend this for those in need of warmth. The Netflix movie “That Christmas” depicts the story of Santa Claus and the townspeople of Wellington-on-Sea whose Christmas plans go awry due to the worst snowstorm in history. It is based on the book of the same name by Richard Curtis, who wrote and directed “Love Actually” and “About Time,” and penned “Notting Hill” and “Bridget Jones's Diary.” As you watch the story of Wellington-on-Sea unfold with family, friends, and Santa Claus, your heart will gradually warm. It’s an animation suitable for the whole family.
I also recommend the Christmas-themed animations “The Polar Express” and “Arthur Christmas,” which are available on Netflix.
This is a romantic comedy that is good even if it's predictable. The Netflix movie “Our Little Secret” tells the story of a couple who, after breaking up, unexpectedly reunite at a party where they each brought their new partners to celebrate Christmas. Lindsay Lohan, familiar from the movie “Surviving Christmas,” plays Avery, teaming up with Ian Harding from the drama “Pretty Little Liars.” While the story is predictable, there is comfort in the happy ending. It’s a work that can be enjoyed without pressure, along with warm Christmas scenery.
It’s also a good idea to spend a day rewatching the already famous Sandra Bullock’s “While You Were Sleeping” and “The Holiday” starring Kate Winslet and Jack Black.
If you want a thriller, you can't miss “Slow Horses.” The Apple TV+ series “Slow Horses,” which has a solid fan base worldwide, tells the story of the Slough House team at the British intelligence agency MI5, who have nowhere left to retreat. It is based on the book series of the same name by Mick Herron, who won the British Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award. River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), who is sent to Slough House after failing during training, teams up with the hot-headed leader Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) and his team to solve cases. Unlike previous spy stories, it features MI5's misfits, agents who seem somewhat lacking, which piques curiosity. With strong characters and the actors' passionate performances, the thrilling story makes time fly. Currently, Season 4 is out.
You can lose track of time with this survival reality show that you can't stop watching once you start. The survival series “Blood Game” is a true gem. The first season, released in 2021, gained popularity with its nail-biting psychological battles. Following last year's Season 2, Season 3 is currently meeting viewers. I highly recommend Season 2 for binge-watching. It features 14 unique players, including announcer Park Ji-min and Dex, competing for a maximum prize of 300 million won in Bali, Indonesia. The fierce survival competition, twists, and tension create an addictive experience.
I also recommend “College Wars” available on Coupang Play. The highlight is that the top 1% geniuses from South Korea's best prestigious universities compete using only their brains.
I strongly recommend the web entertainment “Wind Direction High School,” a spin-off content of the YouTube show “Excuse High School.” It features a trip sparked by actor Hwang Jung-min's slip of the tongue, presenting a concept of “no app travel” for differentiation. The total views of the four episodes of “Wind Direction High School” have reached 26 million (as of the 22nd), gaining immense popularity. The realism of watching genuine travel stories with friends and the chaotic chemistry of Ji-seok Jin, Hwang Jung-min, Yoo Jae-suk, and Yang Se-chan brings laughter. Their adventures in Vietnam, where they handle currency exchange, accommodation, and meals, and their constantly changing situations reminiscent of characters from the movie “Inside Out” enhance immersion. It’s so entertaining that it makes you look forward to their next travelogue.
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
#“Yang Churi” is an abbreviation for Yang So-young's recommendation list. I recommend without discrimination between movies, dramas, and entertainment shows.
